State, local officials praise Sikhs during festivities

Thousands descended upon the Yuba City Sikh Temple on Saturday for festivities marking the 28th annual three-day gathering of Sikhs.

Lt. Gov. John Garamendi and Yuba City’s two Punjabi-American councilmen, Kash Gill and Tej Maan, were among those in attendance at the afternoon open house and education seminar.

Following a tour of the Tierra Buena Road temple and its grounds, teeming with members, visitors and vendors, Garamendi offered remarks during the open house. He praised the local Sikh community for its many successes, then complimented the traditional East Indian menu.

“I can really get into your food,” Garamendi said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Yuba City Vice Mayor Rory Ramirez presented temple leaders a proclamation from the city.

“One of the strengths we have is our diversity,” said Ramirez, noting that colleagues Gill and Mann bring Sikh principles to their leadership roles. Sutter County Supervisors Jim Whiteaker and Stan Cleveland also spoke.

The weekend events commemorate when the Sikh people received their holy scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, from their 10th and final living guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

The observance started Friday with nonstop prayers beginning in the morning, and a fireworks show at night. It continues today with a 41?2-mile parade - “Nagar Kirtan” - starting at the temple at 11 a.m.